FRUIT AND PRODUCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8609, 20 December 1913, Page 7

FRUIT AND PRODUCE

WELLINGTON MARKETS There have been increased supplies of several descriptions of fruits available iu the local markets during tbs past few days, but despite this an excellent demand has resulted. In regard to strawberries, however, this season so far has been remarkable foi tho tremendous quantities which ha\o been available lately/ with the result that values have ruled much lower than has been tho case in previous vears. The bulk, as has always been the case, has come from tho Auckland district, and generally tho quality and condition of the fruit has been excellent. Those desirous of making jam would find the present time most opportune for securing their requirements. Auckland is now forwarding also larger quantities of summer fruits, mostly plums so far, and tho Hawke s Bay and Motueka districts are unloading in this market* much larger quantities of all fruits than was tho case* last week. An excellent market is anticipated for shipments arriving early next week, as it is expected that tho holiday demand will bring about a larger consumption. Supplies of Californian apples, Messina lemons, and Californian oranges are available in moderate quantities, but these are expected to bo all absorbed before tho end of tho year. Owing to tho advent of Messina lemons, New Zealand grown have declined in popularity. Supplies of the imported are not at all heavy, and a -strong inquiry exists at high rates. Passion fruit is scarce and demand strong. Gooseberries are m very heavy supply, and tho market is quiet. Direct shipments of Fijian bananas came to hand by tho s.s. Watruna yesterday, and speculation was rife as to what condition tho fruit would open up in. On examination it was found that the bananas were generally in first-class order and of excellent quality. Sales are now in process, and for all choice fruit there has been a strong demand, as buyers recognise they must secure their requirements out of this cargo for their holiday demands. Raspberries and grapoa «re having an excellent outlet, and black currants, owing to small supplies, are also keenly sought after. There has been a special inquiry lately for green tomatoes, no doubt buyers requiring these to keep over the holiday period, and for them to be then tit for sale after resumption of tho holidays. Ripe tomatoes are also selling well.

Apples (locals), life to 11s case; poaches, choice 6s 6d to 7s 6d half case, prime 5s to 6s, stewing 3s 6d to 4s 6d; plums, choice dessert 6s to 7s half case, prime 4s to ss; apricots, choice lls to 12s half case, prime 7s 6d to 10s; 'grapes, choice large Is -id to Is 6d lb, prime 9d to Is; cherries, choice 13s to 15s half case, prime IDs to 12s; raspberries, 6s 6d to 7s bucket, tomatoes, choice green 15s to 17s half case, choice ripe 12s to 14s; blackcurrants, 6s 6d to 8s half case; redcurrants, 4s 6d to 5s 6d half case, gooseberries. Id lb. POTATOES AND ONIONS. Tho market is reported to be bare of old potatoes, and in view of the increased quantitiesof . new- tubers which have been available, and the low values obtaining for these, tho inquiry has ceased for tho first named. Deports go to show that in areas under now potatoes blight is again in great evidence, and certainly the untoward wet and muggy weather will tend to unfortunately, if anything, aggravate the evil. The market remains bare of onions. New Zealand - grown are spoken about. , The condition must be on the green side at this juncture, but even the best of these would be welcome at this stage of affairs. Immediately resumption of steamer service is made between Australia and New Zealand, shipments of Australian will be available; noit potatoes of choice quality are ruling at £4 to £4 5s per ton at tho present time. OTHER VEGETABLES. Cabbages still continue to bo a drug in. tho local market; rhubarb has declined in price, no doubt due to the penitude of fruits now available. Cauliflowers aro also selling at low values, but not so disastrously as cabbages. Green peas aro arriving freely, whilst French beans, marrows, pumpkins, asparagus, and cucumbers are well sought after. Cauliflowers, choice 4s 6d to 5g 6d sack, prime 3s to 4s; cabbages, choice Is to la 6d sack; beetroot, 3s to 4s sack; cucumbers, 2s 6d to 7s dozen, according to sizq; rhubarb; 2s to 4a dozen bundles; carrots, 4s 6d to 5a bd sack; beetroot, 3s 6d to 4s sack; as* paragus, large bundles Is 3d to Is 6d, small 8d to Is; parsnips, 5s 6'd to 6a 6d sack; marrows, 9s to lls sack; pumpkins, 10s to 12s; French beans, 4d to 5d lb. EGGS. A strong inquiry exists for all wellknown brands of fresh eggs; supplies aro no*! at all heavy, in fact they aro below requirements. Present value is Is 4d per dozen. POULTRY, Several holders are recognising the wisdom of marketing early in preference to waiting within a day or two of Christmas, when usually the.market is flooded with supplies. Excellent quittances aro being made of all descriptions of poultry, and supplies of both dead and alivo birds are available. Roosters, good young 4s 63 to 5s pair, fair 3s 6d to 4s; hens, good heavy 4s to 4s 6d, fair 3s to 3s bd; ducks, 4s 6d to 6s pair, according to condition; geese, 9s to 10s pair; turkeys, gobblers 18s to 22s pair, hens 8s to 10s.